Monitoring system, apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A system, topology, and methods for a monitoring via one or more sensors and controlling the operation of a controlable module. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. A base system may be coupled to various sensor modules to form different monitoring and control systems.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to Application Ser. No.61/844,670, Attorney Docket TN016US, entitled “WIRELESS DOOR KNOCKERSYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHOD”, and filed on Jul. 10, 2013, ApplicationSer. No. 61/939,278, Attorney Docket TN016US2, entitled “WIRELESSMONITORING SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHOD”, and filed on Feb. 13, 2014,and Application Ser. No. 61/943,306, Attorney Docket TN016US3, entitled“MONITORING AND CONTROL SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHOD”, and filed on Feb.22, 2014 these applications are considered as being part of thedisclosure of the accompanying application and are hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments described herein relate to monitoring environmentaland safety conditions including monitoring light, sound, air, and safetyconditions and controlling systems that affect or modify light, sound,air, and safety conditions.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

It may be desirable to monitor environmental and safety conditionsincluding monitoring light, sound, air, and safety conditions andcontrol systems that affect or modify light, sound, air, and safetyconditions. The present invention provides devices for same.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a simplified diagram of environmental and safety monitor andcontrol (ESMC) architecture according to various embodiments.

FIG. 1B is a simplified diagram of another environmental and safetymonitor and control (ESMC) architecture according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an environmental and safety monitor andcontrol (ESMC) module according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram of a user device according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram of a base ESMC according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram of ESMC sensor modules according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 3C is a block diagram of ESMC user input and output modulesaccording to various embodiments.

FIG. 4A is a front view of a simplified diagram of a mechanical andelectronic door monitor system according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4B is a side view of a simplified diagram of a mechanical andelectronic door monitor system according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4C is a front view of a simplified diagram of another mechanicaland electronic door monitor system according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4D is a side view of a simplified diagram of a mechanical andelectronic door monitor system according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4E is a block diagram of a mechanical and electronic door ESMCmodule according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4F is a back view of a simplified diagram of a door ESMC moduleaccording to various embodiments.

FIG. 5A is a simplified diagram of door monitor and control architectureaccording to various embodiments.

FIG. 5B is a simplified diagram of another door monitor and controlarchitecture according to various embodiments.

FIGS. 6A-6D are flow diagrams illustrating ESMC methods according tovarious embodiments.

FIG. 7A is a front view of a simplified diagram of a security monitorand control system according to various embodiments.

FIG. 7B is a back view of a simplified diagram of a wireless securitymonitor and control module according to various embodiments.

FIG. 8A is a front view of a simplified diagram of an ESMC systemaccording to various embodiments.

FIG. 8B is a back view of a simplified diagram of an ESMC moduleaccording to various embodiments.

FIG. 8C is a block diagram of an ESMC module according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 9A is a front view of a simplified diagram of a mammal ESMC systemaccording to various embodiments.

FIG. 9B is a back view of a simplified diagram of a mammal ESMC moduleaccording to various embodiments.

FIG. 9C is a block diagram of a mammal ESMC module according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 10A is a front view of a simplified diagram of a light and soundmonitor and control system according to various embodiments.

FIG. 10B is a back view of a simplified diagram of a light and soundmonitor and control module according to various embodiments.

FIGS. 11A-B are diagrams of communication flow between a user device andmedia processing module of an ESMC system according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of ESMC architecture providing a userinterface web page according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A is a simplified diagram of environmental and safety monitor andcontrol (ESMC) architecture 100A according to various embodiments. Asshown in FIG. 1A, architecture 100A may include one or more main ESMCmodules 10A, one or more communication hubs, routers, networkcommunication devices, or base stations (HUB) 200, one or more wirelessor wired ESMC modules 80A to 80C, one or more wireless or wiredcontrollable system modules 82A, 82B, and one or more wired or wirelessuser devices 30A-B. The main ESMC module 10A may communicate signals todirectly to one or more ESMC modules 80A, 80B via a wired or wirelessconnection. The main ESMC module 10A may also communicate signals todirectly to one or more user devices 30B via a wired or wirelessconnection. The main ESMC module 10A may also communicate signals todirectly to one or more controllable system modules 82B via a wired orwireless connection.

The main ESMC module 10A may communicate signals indirectly to userdevice 30A via the HUB 200. The main ESMC module 10A may communicatesignals indirectly with an ESMC module 80C via the HUB 200. The mainESMC module 10A may communicate signals indirectly with a controllablesystem module 82A via the HUB 200. The HUB 200 may communicate with theuser device 30A, the controllable system module 82A, and the EMSC module80C via a wired or wireless connection. In an embodiment, the HUB 200may communicate with the user device 30A, the controllable system module82A, and the EMSC module 80C via a wireless communication protocol. TheHUB 200 may communicate signals with main EMSC module 10A via a wirelesscommunication protocol. In an embodiment, the wireless communicationprotocol can include an internet protocol (IP). The HUB 200 maycommunicate with modules 10A, 80C, 82A, and user device 30A via a localnetwork and network of networks including the “Internet”.

FIG. 1B is a simplified diagram of another ESMC architecture 100Baccording to various embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1B, ESMC architecture100B may include one or more main ESMC modules 10A, one or more wirelessor wired ESMC modules 80A to 80C, one or more wireless or wiredcontrollable system modules 82A, 82B, and one or more wired or wirelessuser devices 30A-B. In ESMC architecture 100B, a main ESMC module 10Amay communicate directly via ESMC modules 80A to 80C, controllablesystem modules 82A, 82B, and user devices 30A-B via a wired or wirelessconnection. The main ESMC modules 10A may communicate with an ESMCmodule 80A to 80C, a controllable system module 82A, 82B, and a userdevice 30A-B via a local network.

In an embodiment, a main ESMC module 10A and HUB 200 may be part of alarger network that may communicate with other base stations, userdevices 30A, 30B, computers, and a networks of networks (commonly termedthe “Internet”). In an embodiment, a main ESMC module 10A and HUB 200may communicate data using one or more known digital or analogcommunication formats including a cellular protocol such as codedivision multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA),Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), cellular digital packetdata (CDPD), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX),satellite format (COMSAT) format, and local protocol such as wirelesslocal area network (commonly called “Wi-Fi”), Zigbee, WiMAX, andBluetooth.

In an embodiment, a main ESMC module 10A may communicate with an ESMCmodule 80A via a first communication protocol and with ESMC module 80Bvia a second communication protocol. The main ESMC module 10A mayfurther communicate with HUB 200 via a third communication protocol. Themain ESMC module 10A may communicate with user device 30A via a fourthcommunication protocol and with another user device 30B via a fifthcommunication protocol. In an embodiment, a main ESMC module 10A maycommunicate with ESMC modules 80A, 80B, and 80C via a first wirelesscommunication protocol and the HUB 200 via another communicationprotocol. In another embodiment, a main ESMC module 10A may communicatewith ESMC modules 80A, 80B, 80C and the HUB 200 via the samecommunication protocol. The communication protocols may be wired orwireless protocols or a combination thereof.

For example, a main ESMC module 10A may communicate with the HUB 200using a cellular protocol such as code division multiple access (CDMA),time division multiple access (TDMA), Global System for MobileCommunications (GSM), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access(WiMAX) or COMSAT protocol or using a local protocol including Wi-Fi(IEEE 802.11). The main ESMC module 10A may communicate with one or moreESMC modules 80A, 80B TM 82 via a local signal protocol including Wi-Fi,WiMAX, Bluetooth, and ZigBee (IEEE 802.15.4).

As known to one skilled on the art the Bluetooth protocol includesseveral versions including v1.0, v1.0B, v1.1, v1.2, v2.0+EDR, v2.1+EDR,v3.0+HS, and v4.0. The Bluetooth protocol is an efficient packet-basedprotocol that may employ frequency-hopping spread spectrum radiocommunication signals with up to 79 bands, each band 1 MHz in width, therespective 79 bands operating in the frequency range 2402-2480 MHzNon-EDR (extended data rate) Bluetooth protocols may employ a Gaussianfrequency-shift keying (GFSK) modulation. EDR Bluetooth may employ adifferential quadrature phase-shift keying (DQPSK) modulation.

The Wi-Fi protocol may conform to an Institute of Electrical andElectronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 protocol. The IEEE 802.11 protocolsmay employ a single-carrier direct-sequence spread spectrum radiotechnology and a multi-carrier orthogonal frequency-divisionmultiplexing (OFDM) protocol. In an embodiment, one or more user devices30A, 30B may communicate with a main ESMC module 10A via a Wi-Fiprotocol.

The cellular formats CDMA, TDMA, GSM, CDPD, and WiMAX are well known toone skilled in the art. It is noted that the WiMAX protocol may be usedfor local communication. One or more user devices 30A, 30B maycommunicate with a main ESMC module 10A via a WiMAX protocol.Additionally, one or more ESMC modules 80A, 80B may communication with amain ESMC module 10A via a WiMAX protocol. The WiMAX protocol is part ofan evolving family of standards being developed by the Institute ofElectrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) to define parameters of apoint-to-multipoint wireless, packet-switched communications systems. Inparticular, the 802.16 family of standards (e.g., the IEEE std.802.16-2004 (published Sep. 18, 2004)) may provide for fixed, portable,and/or mobile broadband wireless access networks.

Additional information regarding the IEEE 802.16 standard may be foundin IEEE Standard for Local and Metropolitan Area Networks—Part 16: AirInterface for Fixed Broadband Wireless Access Systems (published Oct. 1,2004). See also IEEE 802.16E-2005, IEEE Standard for Local andMetropolitan Area Networks—Part 16: Air Interface for Fixed and MobileBroadband Wireless Access Systems—Amendment for Physical and MediumAccess Control Layers for Combined Fixed and Mobile Operation inLicensed Bands (published Feb. 28, 2006). Further, the WorldwideInteroperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) Forum facilitates thedeployment of broadband wireless networks based on the IEEE 802.16standards. For convenience, the terms “802.16” and “WiMAX” may be usedinterchangeably throughout this disclosure to refer to the IEEE 802.16suite of air interface standards.

In an embodiment, ESMC architectures 100A, 100B may be employed tomonitor and control one or more environmental conditions and safetydevices. The environmental conditions include air temperature, quality,light, and sound, electrical energy, chemical elements including carbondioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), humidity, and other air quality andsafety measurements. The safety devices may include visual lightcameras, infrared cameras, pressure sensors, light control, heat and airconditioning control, sprinkler systems, lock mechanism control, andother controllable safety devices. A controllable system module 82A, 82Bmay control the operation of one or more environmental conditions andsafety devices. In an embodiment, an ESMC module 80A-80C may alsocontrol the operation of one or more environmental conditions and safetydevices. A main ESMC module 10A and an ESMC module 80A-80C may includeone or more environmental sensors, including a visible light camera 16A,an infrared sensor 16B, an audio sensor 16C, a CO₂ sensor 16D, ahumidity sensor 16E, a temperature sensor 16F, an electrical energysensor 16G, a pressure sensor 16H, a chemical sensor 16T, and a COsensor 16J.

In an embodiment, the main ESMC module 10A may include one or moresensors and measure or record sensor data. The main ESMC module 10A maycommunicate the sensor data to a user device 30A, user device 30B, andESMC module 80A, 80B, 80C, directly or indirectly. A user device 30A-30Bmay include an application that may receive and display sensor data fromthe main ESMC module 10A. In an embodiment, an ESMC module 10A and80A-80C may include a Media Processing (MP) module 140A as shown in FIG.12. In such an embodiment, an ESMC module 10A and 80A-80C maycommunicate data via a user 136 device 30A-B via a webpage 154. Thewebpage 154 may include sensor data 153A, sensor properties 155A,controllable device actions 153B, controllable device properties 155B,and media upload link option 161 and properties 165. In such anembodiment, a user device 30A-30B may only need a web browserapplication 173 to communicate with an ESMC module 10A and 80A-80C.

A user 136 via a user device 30A, 30B may communicate data to an ESMCmodule 10A via architecture 100A, 100B. The data may represent controlor setup parameters to be implemented by the main ESMC module 10A or anESMC module 80A, 80B, and 80C. The data may also represent encoded videoor voice to be broadcast or shown by main ESMC module 10A or an ESMCmodule 80A, 80B, 80C. A main ESMC module 10A may communicate data,parsed data, or commands to an ESMC modules 80A, 80B, 80C. The data mayrepresent control or setup parameters to be implemented by controllablesystem module 82A, 82B or a device controlled by the module 82A, 82B.The data may also represent encoded video or voice to be broadcast orshown by a controllable system module 82A, 82B or a device controlled bythe module 82A, 82B. A main ESMC module 10A may communicate data, parseddata, or commands to a controllable system module 82A, 82B. Acontrollable system module 82A, 82B may communicate data, parsed data,or commands to a device controlled by the module 82A, 82B.

As noted, a main ESMC module 10A and ESMC module 80A, 80B, 80C mayinclude one or more electronic sensor modules 130A as shown in FIG. 3B.A main ESMC module 10A and ESMC module 80A, 80B, 80C may also includeone or more direct user 136 input or output modules 130B as shown inFIG. 3C. The user 136 input or output modules 130B may include a visualdisplay 70A, an audio speaker 69, a user input module 72B, and one ormore light generating devices 58A. The user input module 72B may includeone or more depressible buttons, touch screen (as part of display 70A inan embodiment), and voice processing module.

The voice processing module may operate in cooperation with an audiosensor 16C or a separate microphone located in the main wireless ESMCmodule 10A or a wireless ESMC module 80A, 80B, 80C and a processor 40.The processor 40 may include an algorithm to decode audio received by anaudio sensor 16C into one or more voice commands and audio data. Thevoice commands may represent control or setup parameters to beimplemented by the main ESMC module 10A or an ESMC module 80A, 80B, and80C. The audio data may also represent voice or audio to be broadcast bymain ESMC module 10A or an ESMC module 80A, 80B, 80C. The voice commandsmay represent control or setup parameters to be implemented bycontrollable system module 82A, 82B or a device controlled by the module82A, 82B. The audio data may also represent encoded voice to bebroadcast by a controllable system module 82A, 82B or a devicecontrolled by the module 82A, 82B.

In an embodiment, a main ESMC module 10A may have a base ESMC module 11Aas shown in FIG. 3A. As shown in FIG. 3A, the base ESMC module 11A mayinclude a central or main processor 40, a transceiver ormodulator/demodulator (TMM) 67A, an internal memory module 68, anexternal, removable memory storage interface module 66A, electronicdevice interface module 52A, an electrical energy storage device 56A, anantenna 67B, and a media processing module 140A. The processor 40 may becoupled directly to each module 67A, 68, 66A, 52A, and 140A. Theprocessor 40 may also be coupled to one or more modules 67A, 68, 66A,52A, and 140A via a data bus 71. The processor 40 may also include oneor more connections or data lines 12A-B for communicating with one ormore sensor modules 16A-16J and user input/output modules 58A, 69, 70A,and 72B.

In an embodiment, a main ESMC module 10A may be coupled to one or moresensor modules 16A-16J and user input/output modules 58A, 69, 70A, and72B based on the intended use or application of the main ESMC module10A. The electrical energy storage device 56A may include a battery. AnESMC module 10A may communicate the storage device 56A status to a userdevice 30A-B. An ESMC module 10A may communicate the storage device 56Astatus periodically or when a predetermined level, high or low. In anembodiment, a main ESMC module 10A may be couplable to another powersource. The additional power source may power the main ESMC module 10A,charge the storage device 56A, or both.

FIGS. 4E, 8C, and 9C are simplified block diagrams of base ESMC modules10B, 10E, and 10F configured for different applications. In anembodiment, a base ESMC module 10B shown in FIG. 4E may be configuredfor use as a wireless door monitor and control module or wirelesssecurity monitor and control module 10B. In another embodiment, a baseESMC module 10E shown in FIG. 8C may be configured for use as a chemicalmonitor and control module 10E. In an embodiment, a base ESMC module 10Fshown in FIG. 9C may be configured for use as a wireless mammal monitorand control module 10F.

FIG. 2A is a simplified block diagram of an ESMC module 80A according tovarious embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2A, an ESMC module 80A may includea transceiver 82A, a user input module 86A, a speaker 84A, a display88A, an antenna 87A, and a microphone 83A. The ESMC module 80A may alsoinclude an internal electrical energy storage module 56A and becouplable to an on grid power source. In an embodiment, the user inputmodule 86 and display 88 may enable a user to employ an ESMC module 80Ato control the operation of a base ESMC module 10A.

The control operations may include communicating an audio or videosignal to a base ESMC module 10A for broadcasting, recording, modifying,and deleting audio and video messages. The control operations mayfurther include receiving audio and images recorded by the camera module16A and reviewing real time audio and images from a camera module 16A.The control operations may also include setting system parameters of themain ESMC module 10A. The control operations may also include directingthe operation of or receiving operation status from a controllablesystem module 82A, 82B. An ESMC module 80A, 80B, 80C transceiver 82 mayenable a module 80A, 80B, 80C to communicate signals with a main ESMCmodule 10A using one or more digital or analog communication protocols.

FIG. 2B is a simplified block diagram of a user device 30A, 30Baccording to various embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2B, a user device 30Amay include a display 34, a memory module 38, a processor 36, atransceiver/modem (TMM) 32, and an antenna 37. The user device 30A TMM32 may enable the device 30A to communicate signals with a main ESMCmodule 10A using one or more digital or analog communication protocols.A user device 30A may employ an application in a web browser 173 toreceive audio/images from a main ESMC module 10A. The user device 30Amay employ an application to forward audio and video signals to a mainESMC module 10A. The user device 30A may employ an application tocontrol the operation of a main ESMC module 10A. The user device 30A mayemploy an application to control the operation of an ESMC module 80A,80B, 80C via the main ESMC module 10A.

The user device 30A may employ an application to control the operationof a controllable system module 82A, 82B via the main ESMC module 10A. Auser device 30A application may receive operational status and mediafrom an ESMC module 80A, 80B, 80C via a main ESMC module 10A. A userdevice 30A application may receive operational status and media from acontrollable system module 80A, 80B, 80C via a main ESMC module 10A inan embodiment. A user device 30A memory module 39 may store the datareceived from a main ESMC module 10A in an embodiment. The stored datamay include data from an ESMC module 80A, 80B, 80C and a controllablesystem module 82A, 82B.

FTC. 3A is a simplified block diagram of a main ESMC module 10A. Asnoted, a main ESMC module 10A may include a processor 40, a userperceptible signal generation module 58A, an electrical energy storagemodule 56A, an electronic display 70A, a speaker 69, a user input module72B, a central bus 71, a transceiver/modem (TM) 67A, an antenna 67B, aninternal memory module 68, an external memory storage interface module66A, an electronic interface 52A, a media processing module 140A, andelectrical connections 12A, 12B. As shown in FIGS. 4E, 8C, and 9C, theelectrical connections 12A, 12B may couple various sensor modules16A-16J to the processor 40. The processor 40 may reformat the receivedsensor data for the display 70A, storage in memory 68 or 66A (whenpresent), and transmission to an ESMC module 80A to 80C, a controllablesystem module 82A, 82B, or a user device 30A, 30B. The display 70A, ESMCmodules 80A to 80C, controllable system modules 82A, 82B, and userdevices 30A, 30B may require that data including video and audio contentbe formatted with specific codecs including H.264 and others.

In an embodiment, the transceiver/modem (TMM) 67A, the antenna 67B, theinternal memory module 68, the memory storage interface module 66A, theelectronic device interface 52A, and the media processing module 140Amay be coupled to the processor 40 via a bus 71. In an embodiment, theelectronic device interface may be a Universal Serial Bus (USB)complaint interface. In another embodiment, any or all of the user inputmodule 72B, the internal memory module 68, the memory storage interfacemodule 66A, the device interface 52A, and the media processing module140A may be directly coupled to the processor 40. The display 70A may beany form of electronic display capable of displaying a video or stillimage including a light emitting diode (LED), liquid crystal display(LCD), TFT, Retina elements or any combination thereof or other typedisplay elements.

In an embodiment, the user perceptible signal generation devices ormodule 58A may provide an indication of the main ESMC module's 10Aoperational status including charging status of an internal powerstorage unit, discharge state of an internal power storage unit, datacommunication between the wireless main ESMC module 10A and anotherdevice including an ESMC module 80A to 80C, controllable system module82A, 82B, or user device 30A. 30B. In an embodiment, a main ESMC module10A may include a data memory storage interface (“DMSI”) module 66A thatmay interface with one or more memory devices including a compact flashcard, secure digital (SD), miniSD, micro SD, SD high capacity (SDHC),miniSDHC, microSDHC, SD extended capacity, and memory stick. The DMSImodule 66A may conform to the SD input-output (SDIO) standard to enablea data memory card and other devices to communicate electronic data withvia a main ESMC module 10A. The other devices may include a Bluetoothinterface and broadband data interface. The internal memory module 68may include non-volatile and volatile electronic data internal memorymodules (“TDM”) 68 where the electronic data may be communicated via theprocessor 40.

In an embodiment, the TMM 67A may be coupled to an internal antenna 67B.The TMM 67A may be any device capable or communicating data in one ormore data communication formats including wireless and wired formats.The TMM 67A may include a transceiver and modem that may communicatedigital data or analog signals with one or more electronic devices ormodules (80A to 80C, 82A, 82B, 30A, 30B) and the HUB 200. As noted, theHUB 200 may be part of a larger network that may communicate with otherhubs, base stations, modules and devices (80A to 80C, 82A, 82B, 30A,30B), computers, and networks of networks (commonly termed the“Internet”).

In an embodiment, the HUB 200 may communicate data with a main ESMCmodule 10A TMM 67A using one or more known digital communication formatsincluding a cellular protocol such as code division multiple access(CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), Global System for MobileCommunications (GSM), cellular digital packet data (CDPD), WorldwideInteroperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), satellite format (COMSAT)format, and local protocol such as wireless local area network (commonlycalled “Wi-Fi”), ZigBee, and Bluetooth.

In an embodiment, one or more electronic devices or modules 80A to 80C,82A, 82B, 30A, 30B may be coupled the HUB 200 or a main ESMC module 10ATMM 67A via a physical or wired connection. The TMM 67A or HUB 200 mayemploy one or more wired digital or analog data communication protocolsto communicate with electronic devices or modules 80A to 80C, 82A, 82B,30A, and 30B in an embodiment including an Ethernet protocol or Internetprotocol (IP), IEEE 802.3. In an embodiment, the antenna 67B may be acircular antenna with multiple, selectable connections to select thewavelength/frequency of signals to be communicated with an electronicdevices or modules 80A to 80C, 82A, 82B, 30A, 30B and HUB 200.

In an embodiment, the electrical storage element 56A may be are-chargeable battery, capacitor, or other device capable of storingelectrical energy. It is noted that two or more main ESMC module 10Aelements 40, 67A, 68, 66A, 52A, and 71 may be formed on a singleintegrated circuit including an application specific integrated circuit(ASIC). Any of the components previously described can be implemented ina number of ways, including embodiments in software. Any of thecomponents previously described can be implemented in a number of ways,including embodiments in software. Thus, the wireless base ESMC module10A elements 40, 67A, 68, 66A, 52A, and 71 may all be characterized as“modules” herein.

The modules may include hardware circuitry, single or multi-processorcircuits, memory circuits, software program modules and objects,firmware, and combinations thereof, as desired by the architect of thearchitecture 100A, 100B and modules 10A-10F, 80A, 80B, 80C, 82A, 82B andas appropriate for particular implementations of various embodiments.The apparatus and systems of various embodiments may be useful inapplications. They are not intended to serve as a complete descriptionof all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that mightmake use of the structures described herein.

As noted, a main ESMC module 10A may be configured to function as in avariety of monitor and control applications including for residentialand commercial applications. Depending on the application, a main ESMCmodule 10A may be directly coupled to one or more sensor modules 16A-16Jand user input/output modules 58A, 69, 70A, and 72B and indirectlycoupled to ESMC modules 80A, 80B, 80C and controllable system modules82A, 82B. FIG. 4E is a simplified block diagram of a main ESMC module10B according to an embodiment. As shown in 4E, the main ESMC module 10Bincludes the main ESMC module 10A (FIG. 3A), a user input module 72B, aspeaker 69, a display 70A, a visible light camera 16A, a lightgeneration module 58A, and an infrared sensor 16B. In an embodiment, themain ESMC module 10B may employed in a door monitor system 110A, 110Band a security camera system 10C.

Simplified door monitor and control (DMC) systems 110A, 110B accordingto various embodiments are shown in FIGS. 4A-4D. FIGS. 4A-4B aresimplified diagrams of a first DMC system 110A according to anembodiment. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, the first DMC system 110A mayinclude a main ESMC module 10B and a mechanical knocker base 14A, amechanical knocker plate 14B, a mechanical knocker striker 14C, and anelectronic knocker (main ESMC) module 10B (as shown in FIG. 4E). Asshown in FIGS. 4A-4B, the mechanical knocker base 14A may includesensors, in particular a camera/microphone 16A and an infrared camera16B. The knocker plate 14B may include an electrical contact, switch, orrelay 12C. The main ESMC module 10B may be coupled to the mechanicalknocker base 14A sensors 16A, 16B via an electrical connectors 12A. Themain ESMC module 10B may also be coupled to the electrical contact,switch, or relay 12C via an electrical connector 12B.

FIGS. 4C-4D are simplified diagrams of a second DMC system 110Baccording to an embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 4C-4D, the second DMCsystem 110B may include a main ESMC module 10B and a mechanical knockerbase 14A, a mechanical knocker plate 14B, a mechanical knocker striker14C, and an electronic knocker (main ESMC) module 10B (as shown in FIG.4E). As shown in FIGS. 4C-4D, the mechanical knocker base 14A mayinclude sensors, in particular a camera/microphone 16A and an infraredcamera 16B and an electrical contact, switch, or relay 12C. The mainESMC module 10B may be coupled to the mechanical knocker base 14Asensors 16A, 16B, 12C via an electrical connectors 12A.

In an embodiment, when a mechanical striker 14C of a door monitor system110A, 110B is moved, the electrical contact, switch, or relay 12C mayclose or open to create a trigger event. The main ESMC module 10B maydetect the trigger event via the electrical connections 12A, 12B. In anembodiment, the main ESMC module 10B may communicate one or more signalsto an ESMC module 80A, 80B, 80C, user device 30A, 30B, or controllablesystem module 82A, 82B when a trigger event occurs. The controllablesystem modules 82A, 82B may control lights, security systems, lockingsystems, and audio systems. When a trigger event occurs, a main ESMCmodule 10B may direct a controllable system module 82A, 82B to turn onone or more lights or groups including lights about the environmentwhere the main ESMC module 10B is physically present.

A main ESMC module 10B may communicate the trigger event to a securitysystem or group via a controllable system module 82A, 82B. A main ESMCmodule 10B may activate one or more locking systems when a triggeringevent occurs via a controllable system module 82A, 82B. A main ESMCmodule 10B may activate one or more audio systems when a triggeringevent occurs via a controllable system module 82A, 82B. A main ESMCmodule 10B may activate one or more other sensors when a triggeringevent occurs including the visible camera sensor 16A and infrared camera16B. The main ESMC module 10B may record images and audio from thesensors 16A, 16B for a predetermined time interval after a trigger eventoccurs. The main ESMC module 10B may forward recorded or live images andaudio from the sensors 16A, 16B to an ESMC module 80A, 80B, 80C, userdevice 30A, 30B, or controllable system module 82A, 82B for apredetermined time interval after a trigger event occurs. The main ESMCmodule 10B may forward recorded or live images and audio from thesensors 16A, 16B to an ESMC module 80A, 80B, 80C, user device 30A, 30B,or controllable system module 82A, 82B after a trigger event occursuntil a user 136 requests the transmissions to end.

In another embodiment, the main ESMC module 10B may create a triggerevent when motion or sound is detected by another sensor, includingsensors 16A, 6B. In an embodiment, an ESMC module 80A, 80B, 80C may alsocreate a trigger event when motion or sound is detected by anothersensor including a microphone 83A, visible camera 16A, or infraredcamera 16B. An ESMC module 80A, 80B, 80C may communicate the triggerevent to the main ESMC module 10B. In a DMC system 110A, 110B, the ESMCmodules 80A, 80B, 80C may be chime modules (FIGS. 5A, 5B).

It is noted the main ESMC module 10B and ESMC modules 80A, 80B, 80C maycommunicate a movement event signal, audio signal, a combinedaudio/video signal, and a battery status signal based on a trigger eventor user request from an ESMC modules 80A, 80B, 80C or user device 30A,30B. A user may communicate signals to a main ESMC module 10B via a ESMC(chime) module 80A, 80B, 80C, user device 30A, 30B, or user input device72A (FIG. 4F) of a main ESMC module 10B. The user communicated signalmay include an audio signal, video signal, or a command signal. In anembodiment, the command signal may also include directing the main ESMCmodule 10B speaker 69 or an ESMC (chime) module 80A, 80B, 80C speaker83A play a pre-recorded or standard message(s) including “nosolicitation permitted” and others.

FIG. 4A is a front view and FIG. 4B is a side view of a simplifieddiagram of a DMC system 110A according to various embodiments. As shownin FIGS. 4A and 4B and noted above, the DMC system 110A may include amechanical knocker base 14A, a mechanical knocker plate 14B, amechanical knocker striker 14C, a main ESMC module 10B, a visible lightcamera/microphone 16A, an infrared camera 16B, electrical connectors12A, 12B, and electrical contact, switch, or relay 12C. In anembodiment, the striker 14C may be hingably coupled to the knocker base14A via a hinge arm 14C and a hinge pin 14E. In other embodiments one ormore strikers 14C may be coupled to one or more bases 14A via one ormore hinge arms and one or more hinge pins. In an embodiment, a hingepin 14E may be part of the hinge arm 14D or striker 14E. In anembodiment, a DMC system 110A, 110B may not include a strike plate 14Band the striker(s) 14C may be shaped to strike a door 20 (FIG. 4B, 2D)to create a mechanically generated sound. In another embodiment, a DMCsystem 110A, 110B may include strike plates 14B and the striker(s) 14Cmay be shaped to strike one or more strike plates 14B to create amechanically generated sound. The knocker base 14A, striker 14C, andstrike plate 14B may have various shapes and be formed of many differentmaterials including metals, alloys, woods, glass, and polymers.

As shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, the camera/microphone 16A and infrared camera16B may be located in the knocker base 14A. In an embodiment, amicrophone may be separate from the camera 16A. The microphone may belocated in the strike plate in an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4B, indoor monitor system 110A, a switch, relay, electrical contract or sensor12C may be located between the striker 14C and strike plate 14B. Thecontract or sensor 12C may be coupled to the main ESMC module 10Bprocessor 40 (FIG. 4E) via one or more electrical conductors. 12A, 12B.The main ESMC module 10B processor 40 (FIG. 4E) may monitor the contactor sensor 12C to determine when the striker 14C is moved away from thestrike plate 14B or door 20 indicating a strike event. In an embodiment,the processor 40 may also monitor and analyze signals on the microphone,visible camera 16A and infrared camera 16B to determine when a strikeevent has occurred.

As shown in FIG. 4D, the contact or sensor 12C may also be located onthe knocker base 14A. The contact or sensor 12C may be located below theknocker hinge 14D. In an embodiment, the main ESMC module 10B processor40 may determine a strike event has occurred by monitoring the contactor sensor 12C conductivity. In an embodiment, a main ESMC module 10B mayemploy the algorithm 120A shown in FIG. 6A to process strike events. Inan embodiment, when the processor 40 determines that a strike event hasoccurred (activity 122), the processor 40 may direct thetransceiver/modem (TMM) 67B to communicate the event to ESMC modules80A-80C, user devices 30A, 30B, and controllable system modules 82A, 82B(activity 124). Via a controllable system module 82A, 82B, a main ESMCmodule 10B may activate one or more lights or light groups. Acontrollable system 82A, 82B may be coupled or part of a controllablelighting system or network. Based on a request or command from a mainESMC module 10B, the controllable system 82A, 82B may activate lights inproximity to the systems 110A, 110B, lights further from the systems110A, 110B, and random lights near the systems 110A, 110B. In anembodiment, a system 110A, 110B may installed or located in aresidential environment. The system 110A, 110B may activate one or morelights to help the system 110A, 110B visualize persons near the system.The system 110A, 110B may activate one or more lights via a controllablesystem module 82A, 82B to create the impression that residentialenvironment is occupied.

Via a controllable system module 82A, 82B, a main ESMC module 10B mayplay one or more sounds at various locations. A controllable system 82A,82B may be coupled or part of a controllable sound system or network.Based on a request or command from a main ESMC module 10B, thecontrollable system 82A, 82B may generate sound via speakers inproximity to the systems 110A, 110B, sounds further from the systems110A, 110B, and random sounds near the systems 110A, 110B. The system110A, 110B may generate one or more sounds, sound patterns, or soundplaylists via a controllable system module 82A, 82B to create theimpression that residential environment is occupied.

In an embodiment, the processor 40 may direct the TMM 67B to communicatea trigger event to user devices 30A, 30B. A user 136 may configure auser device (via application 173 and page 154) to receive main ESMCmodule 10B and ESMC modules 80A-C updates. In an embodiment, a processor40 may determine whether any user devices 30A, 30B are configured toreceive wireless base ESMC module 10B updates (activity 126). Theprocessor 40 may review server table 149 to determine which user devicesare associated with the main ESMC module 10B. As noted, a main ESMCmodule 10B may forward images/audio from the cameras 16A, 16B to theactive user devices 30A, and 30B (activity 128). In an embodiment, amain ESMC module 10B may also forward images/audio from the cameras 16A,16B to the actively coupled ESMC modules 80A to 80C.

A main ESMC module 10B may also record images/audio to memory includinginternal memory 68 or external memory 66A (activity 129). The internalmemory 68 or external memory 66A may represent the memory 148, 149 ofmodule 140A of FIG. 12. The memory processing module (MPM) 140A may alsoinclude one or more memory modules to store the databases 148, 149. Amain ESMC module 10B may continue to forward audio and images from thecameras 16A, 16B for a predetermined period of time or until a userselects to end such transmissions via a user device 30A, 30B, ESMCmodule 80A to 80C user input module 86 (FIG. 4E), or controllable systemmodule 82A, 82B.

In an embodiment, a registered user via a main ESMC module 10B, userdevice 30A, 30B, ESMC module 80A to 80C, or controllable system module82A, 82B may use voice commands to control the operation of one or moremain ESMC modules 10B, ESMC module 80A to 80C, or controllable systemmodule 82A, 82B. A main ESMC modules 10B, ESMC module 80A to 80C, orcontrollable system module 82A, 82B may monitor audio activity via amicrophone to determine when a user issues a valid command. A main ESMCmodules 10B, ESMC module 80A to 80C, or controllable system module 82A,82B may authenticate a user request based on the user's voice patternsin an embodiment. A main ESMC modules 10B, ESMC module 80A to 80C, orcontrollable system module 82A, 82B may authenticate a user requestbased on a code word or password the user provides by audio in anembodiment.

A main ESMC module 10B may also receive audio or control signals from auser via a main ESMC module 10B, ESMC module 80A to 80C, or controllablesystem module 82A, 82B and broadcast the audio signals or other signalthrough via the speaker 69 and grill 11E. In an embodiment, a user via amain ESMC module 10B, ESMC module 80A to 80C, or controllable systemmodule 82A, 82B may direct a main ESMC module 10B to broadcast one ormore prerecorded messages via the speaker 69. The prerecorded messagesmay be recorded by a user or included in the internal memory module 68or provided via the external memory interface 66A. A user device 30A,30B may include an application 173 may enables a user to reviewimages/audio from the cameras 16A, 16B in real time or batch mode. Auser device 30A, 30B application may also enable a user to control theoperation of the main ESMC module 10B, ESMC module 80A to 80C, orcontrollable system module 82A, 82B including strike event sensitivity,audio messages for future or current broadcast, modify or review currentaudio messages, and modify, review, move, or delete images from a mainESMC module 10B, ESMC module 80A to 80C, or controllable system module82A, 82B memory 66A, 68, 149, 148.

As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D, a main ESMC module 10B may include a speakeropening or grill 11E on its face 11A. In an embodiment, a main ESMCmodule 10B may be configured to be located on a door 20 inside panel asshown in FIGS. 4B, 4D. A main ESMC module 10B speaker 69 (FIG. 4E) maygenerate acoustic signals to be transmitted through the door 20 via thegrill or openings 11E. As shown in FIGS. 4B, 4D, the wireless base ESMCmodule 10B encasing body may include several ports 52B, 66B to exposeone or more interface modules 66A, 52A (FIG. 4E). In an embodiment, theinterface 52A may be a device specific interface or a universal serialbus (USB) interface. The interface 66A may be memory card interfaceincluding a secure digital (SD) memory interface. As also shown in FIGS.4B, 4D, a main ESMC module 10B may also include an electrical energystorage module 56A (FIG. 4E) access panel 56B. The access panel 56B mayenable a user 136 to access, charge, or replace a main ESMC module 10Belectrical energy storage unit 56A. An ESMC module 80A-C may alsoinclude an electrical energy storage module 56A and an access panel. AnESMC module 80A-C access panel may enable a user 136 to access, charge,or replace an ESMC module 80A-C electrical energy storage unit 56A in anembodiment.

FIG. 4F is a simplified diagram of a main ESMC back face 11C. As shownin FIG. 4F, a main ESMC module 10B physical case back face 11C (oppositethe door 20) may include user perceptible signal generation devices port58B, a display 70A, and user input devices 72A. The ports 58B may enableuser to view detectable signals 58A (FIG. 4E) to be communicated to auser via the ports 58B. The display 70A may show system control screens,real time camera images from the cameras 16A, 16B, and stored camera16A, 16B images. The control screens may include options to couple oneor more chime or ESMC systems 80A, 80B, and 80C, user devices 30A, 30B,HIB 200, and controllable system modules 82A, 82B to a main ESMC module10B. The main ESMC module 10B control screens may also include securityoptions and image storage options. A user 136 via a main ESMC module 10Binput modules 72A may navigate through control screens select or enteroptions within the screens.

As noted in an embodiment, a main ESMC module 10B shown in FIG. 4E maybe employed in other applications. A main ESMC module 10B may beemployed in a security system 110C (FIGS. 7A, 7B) and a lighting andsound monitoring and control system 110F (FIGS. 10A, 10B) in anembodiment. FIG. 7A is a front view of a simplified diagram of asecurity system 110C according to various embodiments. FIG. 7B is a backview of a simplified diagram of a security system 110C according tovarious embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the security system110C may include a visible light camera 16A, an infrared camera 16B anda speaker grill 13E on its front face 13A. The security system 110C mayinclude a user input panel 72A, a display 70A, and a light generationpassage ports 58B on a back panel 13C.

In an embodiment, a security system 110C may communicate live orrecorded images/audio from the cameras 16A, 16B when requested by a user136 via a user device 30A, 30B or input panel 72A. A security system110C may also be configured to communicate live or recorded images/audiofrom the cameras 16A, 16B to a user device 30A, 30B when motion or soundis detected by either camera 16A, 16B. The security monitor system 10Cmay communicate records images from the cameras 16A, 16B when requestedby a user via a user device 30A, and 30B. A security system 110C may thealgorithm shown in FIG. 6B in an embodiment during operation.

As shown in FIG. 6B, when motion or sound is detected by a camera sensor16A, 16B (activity 122B) or a user requests images/audio from a camerasensor 16A, 16B (activity 124B), a security system 110C and a DMC system110A, 110B may record images from the cameras 16A, 16B and send theimages to a user via a user device 30A, 30B, controllable system module82A, 82B, or ESMC module 80A, 80B, 80C (activity 125B). In anembodiment, audio is generally included with image data. A system 110A-Cmay also activate light(s) or generate audio via a controllable systemmodule 82A, 82B as noted above. A user may also desire to broadcastimages and audio via a system 110A-C (activity 126B). A user via a userdevice 30A, 30B, controllable system module 82A, 82B, or ESMC module80A, 80B, 80C may communicate image(s) and audio to be broadcast by asystem 110A-C (activity 128B). A system 110A-C may also activatelight(s) or generate audio via a controllable system module 82A, 82Bwhile broadcasting the images and audio. A system 110A-C may alsobroadcasting the images and audio via a controllable system module 82A,82B.

As noted, a base ESMC module 11A may be coupled to various sensorsmodules 130A and input/output modules 130B to form a variety of mainESMC modules 10A-10E. FIG. 8C is a simplified block diagram of a mainESMC module 10D according to various embodiments. The ESMC module 10Dmay be employed in the environmental monitoring and control (EMC) system110D shown in FIGS. 8A-8B. As shown in 8C, the main ESMC module 10D mayinclude the base ESMC module 11A, a user input module 72B, a speaker 69,a display 70A, a visible light camera 16A, a light generation module58A, an infrared sensor module 16B, a temperature sensor module 16F, acarbon-monoxide (CO) sensor module 16J and a carbon dioxide (CO₂) sensormodule 16D.

FIG. 8A is a front view of a simplified diagram of an environmentalmonitoring and control (EMC) system 110D according to variousembodiments. FIG. 8B is a back view of a simplified diagram of an EMCsystem 110D according to various embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 8A and8B, an EMC system 110D front face 15A may include a visible light cameramodule 16A, an infrared camera module 16B, a temperature sensor module16F, a CO₂ sensor module 16D, a CO sensor module 16J, and a speakergrill 15E. An EMC system 110D rear face 15C may include a user inputpanel module 72A, a display module 70A, and light generation passageports 58B. In an embodiment, an EMC system 110D may communicate live orrecords images and audio from the cameras 16A, 16B and sensor modules16D, 16F, 16J readings to user device 30A, and 30B, controllable systemmodule 82A, 82B, user display module 70A, and ESMC modules 80A-C whenrequested by a user 136. A user may generate a request via a user device30A, and 30B, controllable system module 82A, 82B, user input panelmodule 72A, and ESMC modules 80A-C.

In an embodiment, an EMC system 110D may communicate live or recordedimages and audio from the cameras 16A, 16B and sensor modules 16D, 16F,16J readings to user device 30A, and 30B, controllable system module82A, 82B, display module 70A, and ESMC modules 80A-C when a sensormodule 16D, 16F, 16J is outside preset ranges. The preset sensor rangesfor sensor modules 16D, 16F, 16J may indicate potential environmenthazard issues. A user 136 via user device 30A, and 30B, controllablesystem module 82A, 82B, user input panel module 72A, and ESMC modules80A-C may set preset sensor ranges for sensor modules 16D, 16F, 16J. Inan embodiment, an EMC system 110D may activate lights, generate sound,contact other groups including emergency services via a controllablesystem module 82A, 82B when a sensor module 16D, 16F, 16J is outsidepreset ranges. In an embodiment, a controllable system module 82A, 82Bmay include an alarm system interface and a communications networkinterface including plain old telephone services (POTS).

FIG. 9C is a simplified block diagram of another main ESMC module 10Eaccording to various embodiments. As shown in 9C, the main ESMC module10E may include the base ESMC module 11A, a user input module 72B, aspeaker 69, a display module 70A, a visible light camera module 16A, alight generation module 58A, an infrared sensor module 16B, and apressure sensor module 16H. In an embodiment, the main ESMC module 10Emay employed in a mammal or baby monitoring and control (MBMC) system110E shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. FIG. 9A is a front view of a simplifieddiagram of a MBMC system 110E according to various embodiments. FIG. 9Bis a back view of a simplified diagram of a MBMC system 110E accordingto various embodiments. As shown in FIG. 9A, the MBMC system 110E frontface 17A may include a visible light camera module 16A, an infraredcamera module 16B, a pressure sensor module 16H, and speaker grill 17Eon its front face 17A. As shown in FIG. 9B, the MBMC system 110E backpanel 17C may include a user input panel module 72A, a display module70A, and a light generation module passage ports 58B.

In an embodiment, the MBMC system 110E may employ the algorithm 120Cshown in FIG. 6C. In an embodiment, the MBMC system 110E may communicatelive or recorded images and audio from the cameras 16A, 16B and pressuredata from sensor module 16H to user device 30A, and 30B, controllablesystem module 82A, 82B, display module 70A, and ESMC modules 80A-C whenrequested by a user (activities 123C and 128C). A user may request theimages, audio, or data via user device 30A, and 30B, controllable systemmodule 82A, 82B, user input panel module 72A, and ESMC modules 80A-C.The MBMC system 110E may also communicate live or recorded images andaudio from the cameras 16A, 16B and pressure data from sensor module 16Hto a user device 30A, and 30B, controllable system module 82A, 82B,display module 70A, and ESMC modules 80A-C when motion is detected bycameras 16A, 16B ((activities 122C and 128C), noise is detected by thecamera 16A (microphone) (activities 124C and 128C), or a change inpressure patterns (breathing issues) (activities 126C and 128C) isdetected. The MBMC system 110E may evaluate pressure data received fromthe pressure sensor 16H to detect breathing issues in an embodiment. Inan embodiment, a MBMC system 110E may also activate lights, sounds,contact emergency services, and other elements via a controllable systemmodule 82A, 82B (activity 127C) when a pressure issue is detected(activity 126C). In an embodiment, a user may set alarms for breathingrates below or above a detected rate the MBMC system 110E via a userdevice 30A, and 30B, controllable system module 82A, 82B, user inputpanel module 72A, and ESMC modules 80A-C.

FIGS. 10A, 10B are simplified diagrams of a lighting and soundmonitoring and control (LSMC) system 110F in an embodiment. FIG. 10A isa front view of a simplified diagram of the LSMC system 110F accordingto various embodiments. FIG. 10B is a back view of a simplified diagramof a security system 110C according to various embodiments. As shown inFIG. 10A, the LSMC system 110F front face 17A may include a visiblelight camera module 16A, an infrared camera module 16B and a speakergrill 17E. As shown in FIG. 10A, the LSMC system 110F rear face 17C mayinclude a user input panel module 72A, a display module 70A, and a lightgeneration module passage ports 58B.

In an embodiment, the LSMC system 110F may employ the algorithm 120Dshown in FIG. 6D. In an embodiment, the LSMC system 110F may communicatelive or recorded images and audio from the cameras 16A, 16B to a userdevice 30A, and 30B, controllable system module 82A, 82B, display module70A, and ESMC modules 80A-C when requested by a user. A user may requestthe images, audio, or data via user device 30A, and 30B, controllablesystem module 82A, 82B, user input panel module 72A, and ESMC modules80A-C. In an embodiment, a LSMC system 110F activate lights or a lightgroup via a controllable system module 82A, 82B (activity 123D). A usermay request the light activations via user device 30A, and 30B, userinput panel module 72A, and ESMC modules 80A-C (activity 122D).

A LSMC system 110F may play sounds or a group of sounds (including aplaylist) via a controllable system module 82A, 82B (activities 126D,128D). A user may request the generation of sound or sound groups viauser device 30A, and 30B, user input panel module 72A, and ESMC modules80A-C (activity 124D). In an embodiment, the LSMC system 110F mayrequest, download, or retrieve a sound or sound playlist from a userdevice 30A, 30B (activity 126D). The LSMC system 110F may transmitsounds to played or a playlist to a controllable system module 82A, 82Band direct the module 82A, 82B to play the sounds or playlist of sounds(or songs) in an embodiment (activity 128D).

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of ESMC communication processing architecture130 providing a sensor data and controllable action web page accordingto various embodiments. As shown in FIG. 12, architecture 130 depicts amedia processing module 140A may providing a HTML file 175 representingan encoded web page 154 to a user device 30A via a HUB 200. The userdevice 30A may include an application 173 that may encode and decodeHyper-Text Markup Language (HTML) files in the user device 30A system172. In an embodiment, the application 173 may include a web browser. Asshown in FIG. 3A, a base ESMC module 11A may include a media processmodule 140A in an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the media processingmodule 140A may include a webserver 142, a media parser 144, amultimedia server 146, a media database 148, and a server table database149.

In an embodiment, media database 148 may store image and audio data tobe communicated to a user device 30A or received from a user device 30A.The image and audio data may be protected by digital right management(DRM) protection. The image and audio data may be broadcast by orreceived from a main ESMC module 10A-10F, ESMC module 80A-C,controllable system module 82A, 82B, and user devices 30A, 30B in anembodiment. The media parser 144 may process image and audio indifferent digital formats. The multimedia server 146 may encode parsedmedia into HTML files to be communicated by the webserver 142 in anembodiment. The multimedia server 146 may decode media received in HTMLfiles by the webserver 142. The media parser 144 may format the decodedmedia for storage in the media database 148 in an embodiment.

The server table database 149 may include various configuration,setting, and media listings for the main ESMC module 10A-10F, ESMCmodule 80A-C, controllable system module 82A, 82B, and user devices 30A,30B that may be employed in a system 110A-110F. The multimedia server146 may encode and decode server table database 149 data into HTML filesto be communicated by the webserver 142 in an embodiment. As shown inFIG. 12, the sensor data and controllable action web page 154 on a userdevice 30A may include sensor data 153A and selection 157A andproperties entry 155A for the sensor data 153A. The sensor data 153A mayrelate to sensor modules 130A shown in FIG. 3B. The web page 154 mayalso include actions 153B and selection 157B and properties entry 155Bfor the actions 153B. The actions 153B may include actions that may beperformed by a controllable system module 82A, 82B, main ESMC modules10A-10F, and ESMC modules 80A-C. The web page 154 may also include anexternal media upload or download link 161 and selection 163 andproperties entry 165 for the external media upload or download link 161.The external media may be media communicated between a controllablesystem module 82A, 82B, main ESMC modules 10A-10F, ESMC modules 80A-C,or user devices 30A, 30B.

FIGS. 11A-B are diagrams of communication flow 180A, 180B between a userdevice 30A and a media processing module 140A of an ESMC system 10A-10Faccording to various embodiments. FIG. 11A may represent communications180A between a user device 30A and a media processing module 140A when auser device 30A initially links with a media processing module 140Aduring a session in an embodiment. A user 136 via a user device 30A mayrequest an action of a controllable system module 82A, 82B, main ESMCmodules 10A-10F, or ESMC modules 80A-C (communication 182). In anembodiment, a main ESMC module 10A-10F may include security protocols.The ESMC module 10A-10F may require a user 136 via a user device toprovide user credentials prior to requesting an action. An ESMC module10A-10F may provide an account login/setup page (communication 184). Auser via a user device 30A may provide account details or information(communication 186).

When the account information is validated, an ESMC module 10A-10F mayprovide an action selection page (communication 188) to a user device30A such as page 154 shown in FIG. 12. A user 136 via the actionselection page may select one or more actions (communication 192) to beperformed by a controllable system module 82A, 82B, main ESMC modules10A-10F, or ESMC modules 80A-C. In an embodiment, an ESMC module 10A-10Fmay provide an option selection page (communication 194) to a userdevice 30A. A user 136 via the option selection page may select one ormore options (communication 194) associated with actions to be performedby a controllable system module 82A, 82B, main ESMC modules 10A-10F, orESMC modules 80A-C.

FIG. 11B may represent communications 180B between a user device 30A anda media processing module 140A to upload and download media between auser device 30A and a main ESMC module 10A-10F. An ESMC module 10A-10Fmay provide a media upload page (communication 204). A user via a userdevice 30A may select media to be uploaded (communication 206). Theuploaded media may be stored or broadcast by a controllable systemmodule 82A, 82B, main ESMC modules 10A-10F, or ESMC modules 80A-C in anembodiment. An ESMC module 10A-10F may provide a media download page(communication 208) to enable a user to download media to a user device30A. A user via a user device 30A may select media to be downloaded(communication 210). The media to be downloaded may be stored orcommunicated by a controllable system module 82A, 82B, main ESMC modules10A-10F, or ESMC modules 80A-C in an embodiment. In an embodiment, amain ESMC module 10A-10F may provide a web page with the selected media(communication 212). A user 136 via a user device 30A may download themedia via the web page.

The modules may include hardware circuitry, single or multi-processorcircuits, memory circuits, software program modules and objects,firmware, and combinations thereof, as desired by the architect of thearchitecture 100A, 100B, and 10A-10F and as appropriate for particularimplementations of various embodiments. The apparatus and systems ofvarious embodiments may be useful in applications. They are not intendedto serve as a complete description of all the elements and features ofapparatus and systems that might make use of the structures describedherein.

Applications that may include the novel apparatus and systems of variousembodiments include electronic circuitry used in high-speed computers,communication and signal processing circuitry, modems, single ormulti-processor modules, single or multiple embedded processors, dataswitches, and application-specific modules, including multilayer,multi-chip modules. Such apparatus and systems may further be includedas sub-components within a variety of electronic systems, such astelevisions, cellular telephones, personal computers (e.g., laptopcomputers, desktop computers, handheld computers, tablet computers,etc.), workstations, radios, video players, audio players (e.g., mp3players), vehicles, medical devices (e.g., heart monitor, blood pressuremonitor, etc.) and others. Some embodiments may include a number ofmethods.

It may be possible to execute the activities described herein in anorder other than the order described. Various activities described withrespect to the methods identified herein can be executed in repetitive,serial, or parallel fashion. A software program may be launched from acomputer-readable medium in a computer-based system to execute functionsdefined in the software program. Various programming languages may beemployed to create software programs designed to implement and performthe methods disclosed herein. The programs may be structured in anobject-orientated format using an object-oriented language such as Javaor C++. Alternatively, the programs may be structured in aprocedure-orientated format using a procedural language, such asassembly or C. The software components may communicate using a number ofmechanisms well known to those skilled in the art, such as applicationprogram interfaces or inter-process communication techniques, includingremote procedure calls. The teachings of various embodiments are notlimited to any particular programming language or environment.

The accompanying drawings that form a part hereof show, by way ofillustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which thesubject matter may be practiced. The embodiments illustrated aredescribed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the teachings disclosed herein. Other embodiments may beutilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logicalsubstitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scopeof this disclosure. This Detailed Description, therefore, is not to betaken in a limiting sense, and the scope of various embodiments isdefined only by the appended claims, along with the full range ofequivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred toherein individually or collectively by the term “invention” merely forconvenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of thisapplication to any single invention or inventive concept, if more thanone is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have beenillustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achievethe same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown.This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations orvariations of various embodiments. Combinations of the aboveembodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein,will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the abovedescription.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quicklyascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted withthe understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit thescope or meaning of the claims. In the foregoing Detailed Description,various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for thepurpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is notto be interpreted to require more features than are expressly recited ineach claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may be found in less thanall features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claimsare hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claimstanding on its own as a separate embodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular sensor apparatus, the apparatusincluding: a first wireless communication module the first wirelesscommunication module including a transceiver employing a first protocolto receive digital data from an electronic sensor and controlling theoperation of the electronic sensor; an internal memory capable ofstoring data received for the electronic sensor; and a second wirelesscommunication module, the second wireless communication module includinga transceiver employing a second protocol different from the firstprotocol to communicate real time electronic sensor data and electronicsensor data stored in the internal memory directly with a user portableelectronic device, the portable electronic device including an internalelectrical energy storage element, a processor, and a user perceptibledisplay.
 2. The modular sensor apparatus of claim 1, further including aprocessor, the processor controlling the operation of the first and thesecond wireless communication module, communicating data between theinternal memory and the first and the second wireless communicationmodule.
 3. The modular sensor apparatus of claim 1, further including aprocessor including the internal memory, the processor controlling theoperation of the first and the second wireless communication module,communicating data between its internal memory and the first and thesecond wireless communication module.
 4. The modular sensor apparatus ofclaim 2, the processor including a web server to generate a web page tothe portable electronic device, the web page including real timeelectronic sensor data and electronic sensor data stored in the internalmemory and the portable electronic device including a web browserenabling a user to view the web page.
 5. The modular sensor apparatus ofclaim 4, the webserver capable of decoding a web based request receivedfrom a user portable electronic device and controlling the operation ofthe electronic sensor based on the decoded web based request.
 6. Themodular sensor apparatus of claim 4, further including an electricalenergy storage module and the webserver generating a web page to theportable electronic device including the electrical energy storagemodule energy level.
 7. The modular sensor apparatus of claim 1, furtherincluding an electronic sensor coupled to the processor via a wiredconnection.
 8. The modular sensor apparatus of claim 1, furtherincluding an interface capable of controlling the operation of anenvironmental condition modifying device.
 9. The modular sensorapparatus of claim 8, wherein the environmental condition modifyingdevice includes a light generation module.
 10. The modular sensorapparatus of claim 8, wherein the environmental condition modifyingdevice includes a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning device. 11.The modular sensor apparatus of claim 8, the processor including a webserver to generate a web page for the portable electronic device, theweb page including real time status of the environmental conditionmodifying device and the portable electronic device including a webbrowser enabling a user to view the web page.
 12. The modular sensorapparatus of claim 8, the processor including a web server to generate aweb page for the portable electronic device, the web page includingcontrol options for the environmental condition modifying device and theportable electronic device including a web browser enabling a user toview the web page.
 13. The modular sensor apparatus of claim 12, thewebserver capable of decoding a web based request to modify a controloption for an environmental condition modifying device received from auser portable electronic device and modifying a control option for anenvironmental condition modifying device based on the decoded web basedrequest.
 14. The modular sensor apparatus of claim 1, wherein theelectronic sensor includes one of a humidity sensor, chemical sensor,infrared sensor, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, CO sensor, CO₂sensor, and electrical energy sensor.
 15. The modular sensor apparatusof claim 1, wherein the electronic sensor includes one of an audiosensor and imaging sensor.
 16. The modular sensor apparatus of claim 14,wherein the first wireless communication module receives electronic datafrom another electronic sensor.
 17. The modular sensor apparatus ofclaim 14, wherein the another electronic sensor includes one of an audiosensor and imaging sensor.
 18. The modular sensor apparatus of claim 14,wherein the first wireless communication module receives digital datafrom another electronic sensor.
 19. The modular sensor apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein the wired electronic sensor includes one of a humiditysensor, chemical sensor, infrared sensor, temperature sensor, pressuresensor, CO sensor, CO2 sensor, and electrical energy sensor.
 20. Themodular sensor apparatus of claim 7, wherein the apparatus electricalenergy storage module includes a user interchangeable battery.